MANNING - Mary Ellen Matthews Ridgill, 86, widow of Herman Marion Ridgill Sr., died Friday, November 9, 2012, at her home in Manning.
Born December 16, 1925, in Hemingway, she was the daughter of the late Earl Junius Matthews and the late Miriam Grace Hill Matthews. She was a member of Manning First Baptist Church.
She is survived by a son, Father Michael Earl Ridgill (Devvy) of Hartsville; two daughters, Camille Hiott of Manning and Mary Anne Black (Michael) of Moncks Corner; four brothers, James Matthews of Mt. Pleasant, John Lewis Matthews, Larry Matthews and Jerry Matthews all of Hemingway; three sisters, Miriam Fawcett of Medfield, MA, Janie Mathis of Anchorage, AK and Linda Roe of Thousand Oaks, CA; six grandchildren, Albert Ridgill, Berry Hiott, Mary H. Nutter, Robert Black, Joseph Black and Shauna Black; five great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by a son, Herman M. Ridgill Jr.
Funeral services were held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 11, 2012, at Manning First Baptist Church with Reverend Nick Erickson and Reverend David Thurlow officiating. Burial followed in Manning Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Winston Hodge, Cecil Ridgill, David Flagler Richburg, David Leslie Ridgill, John Ridgill and Ricky Ridgill. Honorary pallbearers were the T.E.L. Sunday School Class, Alex Matthews, Johnny Matthews, Bill Timmons and Adam Timmons.
Visitation was held 6-7:30 p.m. on Saturday at Stephens Funeral Home and other times at the residence, 2527 Paxville Hwy., Manning.
Memorials may be made to Manning First Baptist Church, 49 W. Boyce St., Manning, SC 29102 or to St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church, 103 Campus Drive, Hartsville, SC 29550.
Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, 304 N. Church St., Manning, was in charge of arrangements, (803) 435-2179.
www.stephensfuneralhome.org
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CONDOLENCES

Mary Ellen will be missed by a loving family and a wealth of friends. As her nephew who grew up "just up the road," I spent countless hours at her home where p;ay a huge role in my formative years. Now, she will be looking down on us with Uncle Herman, Herman,Jr. amd many others at her side. She suffered but now that"S over, We know she's going to a better place.

From: Jimmy Kennedy

I am sorry to hear of your loss. Death is an enemy to us all. It is especially an enemy when it strike someone dear to us. God is more powerful than death and he promise to get rid of this enemy once and for all. The Bible teaches; "As the last enemy, death will be brought to nothing." (1Corinthians 15:26) Then John 5:28 will be fulfilled that reads: "Marvel not at this, for the hour is coming when all that are in the graves shall hear his voice and come forth." I hope this message will help you cope with the loss of your loved one.

From: R Brown

Many childhood hours were spent on the farm with our family who lived on the curve. Our playmates were our cousins and our uncle and aunt were our second parents. I spent several days last year with Mama Bear and Meme and we shared many laughs and memories. I will never see a pecan without recalling the speed Mama Bear used to fill a bucket full of pecans.
You will be missed and will always live within my heart. Thanks for the all your love and memories.
Much love to Camille, Anne and Michael and the grandchildren. One golden day, we will all gather again in our heavenly home.

from Joyce Ridgill Simon

From: Joyce Ridgill Simon

I'm so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time.

From: Isabelle Brown

Dear Michael & family,
So sorry to hear about you Mother. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.